Why Water is a Key Resource for CHPs and NPPs

Water is not just a liquid, but a strategic resource in the energy sector. In systems that use the thermal principle of electricity generation — whether combined heat and power plants (CHPs) or nuclear power plants (NPPs) — water functions as a heat carrier, transferring thermal energy from the source to the turbines. In this process, it continuously transitions from one state of matter to another — liquid, steam, then liquid again — circulating through closed and open loops.

However, for efficient and long-lasting equipment operation, water quality is critical. Even minimal impurity content can lead to accelerated wear and failure of complex technical systems.

Why Water Treatment is Necessary

Despite its chemical simplicity, under real conditions water contains soluble salts, insoluble inclusions, metal microparticles, acids and alkalis. Such substances have no place inside power installations.

The purpose of water treatment is to purify water to the required technological parameters to protect the following elements:

• high-pressure pipelines,

• turbine blades,

• heat exchangers and coils,

• pumping units and sealing elements.